Dodgers Minor League Free Agent Joins Atlanta Braves

Former flamethrower Ken Giles appeared in 21 games in the Dodgers' minor league system in 2023.

Ken Giles was once known as an elite closer with a 100-mph fastball, a key piece of the 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros who beat the Dodgers. 

After bouncing from the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants organizations, Giles appeared in 21 minor league games with the Dodgers' organization in 2023 and logged an earned run average of 9.50. 

Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Giles signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Ken Giles to Braves, team announces. Minors deal. MLB camp invite. $1.75M if in majors.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 2, 2024

Giles was traded to Toronto by Houston during the 2018 season, and has been plagued with injuries ever since.

He missed most of 2020 and 2021 with Tommy John surgery and came back for five games with the Mariners in 2022.

Over the past four seasons, Giles has only made nine Major League appearances and pitched eight innings.

Giles had a 2.71 ERA and 115 saves in 362 appearances over eight major-league seasons, with 484 strikeouts in 355 1/3 innings. The right-hander burst onto the MLB scene by posting a 1.56 ERA in 113 appearances in his first two seasons with Philadelphia in 2014-2015 and had 16 saves while filling in as the closer.

Per David O'Brien via The Athletic

The Braves have invited 60 players to their big-league camp, and the signing of Giles is low-risk. They already have a deep bullpen anchored by closer Raisel Iglesias. 

If he can stay healthy and add a couple of ticks back to his fastball, Giles will be a great addition to the six-time reigning NL East champions.